Updated at 2:35 a.m., Sunday, May 13, 2007
Police Week events planned for Hilo, Kona
Advertiser Staff
The public is invited to to attend Police Week festivities planned for Monday in Hilo and Wednesday in Kona.In 1962 President John F. Kennedy proclaimed every May 15 as Peace Officers Memorial Day, to honor officers who have died or been disabled in the line of duty. He proclaimed the week it falls in as Police Week, which recognizes the service of the men and women who protect our community around the clock.
This year's Big Island events begin at 10 a.m. Monday with a formal program at the Hilo police station to pay tribute to fallen officers from the Hawaii Police Department.
After the formal ceremony, police will present demonstrations and displays lasting until 1 p.m. During that time:
i Vice officers will present a display on how to identify illegal drugs.
i Community Police Officers will offer Keiki ID kits.
i Traffic Enforcement Officers will demonstrate radar units and help members of the public install child safety seats in their cars.
At 11:30 the Police Department's Special Response Team will demonstrate how its officers make a felony stop on a vehicle. During that time, the public also can get an up-close look at the Police Department's special vehicles, including the Mobile Command Van, which is designed for use during major events, such as natural disasters.
A similar celebration will be offered for West Hawaii residents on Wednesday at the Kulana O Kalani Gym at the old Kona Airport. Ceremonies begin there at 10 a.m. followed by the same demonstrations and displays. In addition, vice officers will conduct a demonstration with a police canine trained at detecting illegal drugs at 11:15 a.m. The Special Response Team demonstration and police vehicle display will take place at approximately the same time.
